While a batch of pre-approved money was finally released this week, it is only a fraction of what is needed to fully rebuild from the costliest storm in the state's history.
On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security announced the release of $12 million in federal funds for infrastructure repairs. This money, however, was not a new allocation. It was part of an existing pool of grants that had been approved but were held up for months by a sluggish federal bureaucracy. The release of this funding came after weeks of renewed frustration from North Carolina officials about the continued delays.
Governor Josh Stein has repeatedly stated that the total damages and needs from Hurricane Helene are estimated at $60 billion.
In the meantime, North Carolina has had to pay for its own recovery efforts. The state has already spent over $2.9 billion from its own funds, which includes new appropriations and reallocations, to help with recovery. Local governments and state agencies are also struggling with significant financial gaps, having fronted millions of dollars from their own budgets expecting timely federal reimbursement. The state has an additional $115 million in pre-approved FEMA grants for critical projects that are still awaiting final sign-off from federal officials.
This slow "trickle" of funds is a major concern. Compared to previous major storms, the federal government has funded a much lower percentage of the total damages. As a result, North Carolina leaders say the financial burden is increasingly falling on state and local resources, jeopardizing their ability to continue recovery work.
WNCTimes
Image: Downtown Marshall